The International Brotherhood of Magicians had its start back in 1922 when two young men, M.J.G. McMullen of Canada and Gordon Avery of Buffalo, New York, began corresponding about magic. A third young man joined in the letter writing, one Ernest Schieldge. Their more familiar names were Len Vintus, Gene Gordon and Don Rogers. As the letter writing continued, it spawned the idea of a truly international organization of magicians.

This trio became the nucleus of the I.B.M. with Len Vintus taking the presidency and I.B.M. No 1; Gene Gordon was Publicity Director with I.B.M. No 2; and Don Rogers became Editor of the Linking Ring with I.B.M. No 3. Werner Dornfield, better know to magicians as "Dorny", became involved and was given I.B.M. No 4. He often claimed to have been the first official member since the others were all officers.

Membership grew rapidly. There was a clamoring for the formation of local groups and Gene Gordon established Ring No 1 in Rochester, New York. Unfortunately, the group was unable to hold together. Vintus almost immediately took over as the editor of the fledgling Linking Ring.
Sometime later, the idea was reborn and St. Louis became the location for the new Ring No 1. Additional Rings sprang up as new members sought to meet and exchange ideas and magic.

Criticism of the organization came from various sources. Most critics said it was an organization founded on "boyish enthusiasm." "It would only last as long as that enthusiasm continued." This marks the 75th year of such "boyish enthusiasm," with no thoughts of demise.

The first elected president was W.W. Durbin, an attorney, business executive and politician, who won the election during the first I.B.M. Convention in 1926. Durbin was from Kenton, Ohio and was a collector and performer. Very active in Ohio state politics, Durbin's printing firm made license plates for the state. He became the Ohio Democratic Executive Committee Chairman and eventual served as Register of the U.S. Treasury. Vintus resigned as editor shortly after Durbin Became president and Durbin took over our journal. Durbin was a real "people person" and the organization grew quickly under his leadership.

The incorporation of the I.B.M. and a Constitution and By-Laws also grew out of that 1926 Convention. Since that time, regular elections are held each year and a business meeting is called to report on the state of the organization. During World War II,conventions were postponed, though business meetings were held.

The objects of the I.B.M. are simple. They are to organize and associate together individuals interested in the practice and promotion of the Art of Magic, to foster and elevate the Art, to facilitate the exchange of magical ideas and to promote harmony among those interested in magic.

There are other objects, of course, including the advancement of the ethics of magic, to oppose exposures, to encourage literature, to promote professionalism in magic and even promote the humane treatment of live animals and birds used in the Art. Members must agree to uphold the ethics of magic and abide by the Constitution and By-Laws as a condition of membership.

Through the years, those members whose dedication to magic has led them to the highest office, have made contributions of time and talent that are immeasurable. All have felt honored and have continued to serve in various capacities.

For an organization that has grown from such humble beginnings to the largest of its kind in the world, the I.B.M. and its members continue to reflect that "boyish enthusiasm". Magic, like any other of the performing arts, requires youthful exuberance to maintain its place in the world of entertainment. At the same time, it provides wholesome fun for practitioners and lay people alike. And, the International Brotherhood of Magicians is dedicated to that purpose.

Today there are over 300 I.B.M. Rings worldwide, boasting some14,000 members. While we all may have our ups and downs, the object and goals remain the same. And, I can't think of a better time than the present to be associated with the grandest magic organization in the world.

One of our objects is "To hold an annual Convention for the membership of this organization; to foster and promote lasting friendships among the members of this organization and a better understanding of its objectives."

by Mindy Burden